Any tips for running uphill?

[Rkip34]

I really seem to be struggling with running at an incline, I get breathless very quick and just want to give up! I’ve tried various running routes but every which way I turn, there’s a dreaded hill! We live in a very hilly town and there’s no escaping them I’m afraid!

[Hidden]

Ahhhhhh the hills 😬 we have a few in Wales 🤭, don't be afraid to walk! If not slow that pacing down, it helps. Lean into the gradient not overly so but slightly. I recently watched a programme about ultra runners, they aren't shy about walking 👍 they embrace the walks sometimes a brisk walk outpaces a slow run, holding your hands flat palms against yours thighs assists your legs!

[Rkip34 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

ooooh that’s useful! I’ll try that and see how I get on, thanks 🙂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Try maintaining cadence but reducing stride length.

Pump arms and keep your head up.

You can try zigzags up very steep hills.

They are your friends and will build stamina.

If you cannot get up a hill, turn round and run back down......... next time try to get a bit further.

[Rkip34 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you! I’ve been running back down but today I was determined to give it a good go, the wind didn’t help! Will keep at it.

[nowster Graduate]

One tip that helped me:

Don't look down, but ahead to the horizon. Maintain a straight upright back. Don't lean forward (that's counter-intuitive, but works).

[Ian5K Graduate]

Thoughts of JFK’s space race speech, we do this not because it’s easy but because it’s hard.

Love the challenge, beat that hill. As with all breathlessness, take it slower.

Have you graduated? If so, just run the hill occasionally. Short runs are good for us. 🙂

[Rkip34 Graduate]

I graduated last week, still can’t believe it really! I’ll keep at it, the aim is to run uphill, non-stop - I’m going to beat that hill! (and all the others 😊)

[Langley-Loper Graduate]

Unfortunately I think the only way running up hills gets easier, is to run up more of them.

I go for the really short strides approach.